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We are much concerned with the environmental aspects in Nepal as well as around the world. Farakpa Village Resort Pvt. Ltd. and Kongde View Resort Pvt. Ltd. were established on approval of Environmental Impact Assessment in 2004 as per the provision made by the Environmental Protection Act, 1996. We are the first in the country that have conducted EIA study of these resorts with the enforcement of EPA, 1996 and EPR, 1997. Nepal Tourism Policy, 1995 states for improving the quality of tourism industry and the reputed placement of tourism in the international markets. Participation of private sector in the development and expansion of tourism activities in order to make Nepal as an attractive center for adventurous tourism focused on this policy. Nepal Ecotourism Strategy 2001 has been enacted for promoting ecotourism in the rural areas to alleviate poverty and conserve natural resources of the country. Promotion of Eco-tourism in protected areas was included in the policy of Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in order to conserve biological diversity, cultural heritage and landscape. Nepal recognized tourism as an important and priority sector which contributes Nepals major economy through earning foreign currency. Tourism industry has also become a novel means to familiarize Nepal through out the world and the Government of Nepal encourages quality tourism in the country. Farakpa Village Resort (P) Ltd. and Kongde View Resort (P) Ltd. were established as promotional tourism market with the spirit of above mentioned policies. These are located in the buffer zone of Sagarmatha National Park; a world heritage site. Farakpa Village Resort at Phakding of Chaurikharak Village Developement Committee will further promote more tourism business in the country. It will attract quality tourism by providing optimum level of satisfaction to those tourists who are aware of local culture, customs, religion, beliefs as well as the environmental concerns of the destination. Farakpa Village Resort will contribute to reduce rural poverty through operating quality tourism in Nepal. Resort objectives are: l To promote Eco-tourism activities in Khumbu region and to improve facilities for quality tourism, l To generate employment opportunities for buffer zone local communities l Conduct tourism activities by harmonizing conservation of biodiversity & landscapes
The project has two phases, the construction of resort complex and the operation of the resort. Labor intensive methodology was utilized to construct building. It has been largely supporting the economy of the local people and exerts minimum adverse impacts on physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment. The resort complex includes six buildings which occupy 4.5 Ropani land. Resort lodge includes double storey house blended with Sherpa culture architecture with 25 rooms double occupancy.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
Study Methodology
The methodology employed desk study and field study including several interaction meetings and consultations in the center as well as in the field. Local people, stakeholders and concerned citizens were widely made aware about the implementation of Farakpa Village Resort. In addition, secondary informations were collected under desk study and 15 days public notice was published in the national daily newspaper requesting concerned stakeholders to provide their suggestions. Map study and questionnaire were prepared and different activities like field survey, Participatory Rural Appraisal, Focus Group Discussion and interaction meetings were conducted during study. Data were collected in direct (*Direct Impact Zone was considered 500m radius from the resort site) and indirect impact zones. Impact assessment was carried out site specific. Collected data were processed, analyzed, synthesized, interpreted and pasted in the appropriate place in the report.
Alternative Analysis
Basically in practice two alternatives have been used. However, this study also includes biodiversity alternative. Project site is situated in the entrance of Phakding village and occupies small area. It was an old Sherpa house used as tourist hotel. Improvement of this place as modern Sherpa lodge does not pose significant impacts in the biological environment. The first alternative discussed is Non-implementation of the project. If this alternative is chosen, the present condition will be continued and quality tourism as well as tourist satisfaction will be questionable in this area. If the Implementation of the resort alternative has been chosen, better facilities and services will maximize satisfaction level of tourists. It will play a major role to raise local economy and support rural poverty alleviation program through employment generation and skill development activities and conserve biological diversity as well. Nevertheless, some environmental consequences of construction and tourism require mitigation measures to be implemented. Careful use of identified mitigation measures will contribute to uplift the environmental condition of Fakding village.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
Indicator
Trees planted & protected Completion of soil
Location
Resort Area
Time
Method
2 3
Poaching Wildlife Movement Wildlife food habit Bird habitat Forest Condition and Products Socio-economic Environment Conflict resolution Adoption of tourist habits by youths Pollution Work safety Cultural Environment
Use PRA tool Visit project site Observation Field Observation Field visit Record of BZCF Check the compliance of proponent Use PRA Tool Field observation
Biological Environment
Cultural/religious conservation
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
Indicator
Trees planted & protected Completion of soil
Location
Resort Area
Time
September, 2006
Method
Field Observation
Poaching Wildlife Movement Wildlife food habit Bird habitat Forest Condition and Products Socio-economic Environment Conflict resolution Adoption of tourist habits by youths Pollution Work safety Cultural Environment Cultural/religious conservation
Biological Environment
Phakding Resort location Construction site & other Buffer zone of SNP
Construction Phase Use PRA Tool Use PRA tool and observation
2 4
September, 2006
Public Hearing
In accordance with the EPR, 1997 Rule7 (2) public hearing was conducted in Phakding about EIA report on Farakpa Village Resort. Study team briefed the findings of study and suggestion were collected and incorporated in the report. Accordingly, Chaurikharka Village Development Committee provided a letter in order to operate Farakpa Village Resort in the Buffer Zone of Sagarmatha National Park as per qualify the provision of Rule 10 of EPR, 1997. Farakpa Village Resort, which is already a tourist hotel including vegetable and fruit trees in its land, will not create any significant impacts in the environment. Infrastructure for quality tourists will be developed in Phakding and the tourist satisfaction will be maximized with the establishment of better lodge like Farakpa. Local economy will be enhanced. Utilization of suggested mitigation measures will contribute to maximize benefits in order to make the resort implemental.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
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Alternative Analysis This study analyzed three alternatives which are non-implementation of the proposed resort, implementation of the proposal and biodiversity alternative. There will be insignificant impacts in the biological environment due to execution of this proposal. If the non-implementation of the project alternative is chosen, the present condition will be continued and quality tourism as well as tourist satisfaction will not be maintained. If the Implementation of the resort alternative has been chosen, tourism infrastructure will be established in Kongde. It will play a major role to raise local economy and support rural poverty alleviation program through employment generation and skill development activities and conserve biological diversity as well. However, some environmental impacts of construction and tourism will require mitigation measures to be implemented in order to avoid or reduce likely adverse impacts. The resort will carefully handle the suggested mitigation measures.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
Non-implementation of Proposal
Environment Positive Physical Biological No change in landscape/land utilization No trail improvement Floral & faunal habitat maintained & protected Conserved forest cover Wildlife corridors maintained Do not change wildlife food habitat Socio-economic No tourism benefit to three families Demography would remain same Culture/religion Remain same No employ opportunities created for local inhabitants. Lack of tourists infrastructure Do not share with high quality tourist Free grazing practice exists. Adverse Likely Impacts
6 2
Socio-economic
Culture/religion
Cross-cultural effect
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
Mitigation Measures and EMP Measures for positive impacts maximization and mitigation measures for likely adverse impacts minimization were identified. Environmental plan and auditing plan were developed and budget for monitoring and auditing is suggested. The study has also identified and predicted some positive and likely adverse impacts of project implementation environmental like garbage collection, waste water generation, disturb wildlife habitat/movement, conflict between yak herders and the resort and cross cultural impact may arises due implementation of this resort. However, mitigation measures like use of pits and bins, treat waste water in sock pit and construct septic tank are suggested. Labor camp will be established in the resort area. The resort will buy milk and other products from yak herders. In addition, cultural awareness activities will enhance the conservation of culture and religion. Among three monitoring types base line monitoring may not be performed because construction period wil start soon after the approval of the EIA report. Compliance and impact monitoring will be performed by MoPE, MoFSC, DNPWC and SNP. Monitoring and auditing parameters and indicators are suggested with inbuilt mechanism of budget and plans.
Monitoring
Parameter Aesthetics of resort area Garbage and solid waste Wildlife protection Wildlife movement Forest Product Conflict resolution Land & water Pollution Work safety Cultural/religious conservation Indicator Roofing material and Sherpa carved stones and wood Number of rubbish bins and pits Abundance of wildlife Number of wildlife observed Quantity required of timber. Quantity required of fuel wood Dispute between the resort and yak herders Amount of garbage and quality of water Safety mechanism Cultural activities performed Parameter Landscape Garbage and solid waste
Auditing
Indicator Roof color and Sherpa architecture Number of rubbish bins and pits Specified location for rubbish collection Number of wildlife observed Number of rubbish bins in resort complex Dispute between the resort and yak herders Amount of garbage and quality of water Number of people employed Jobs created Amount of farm product purchased Safety mechanism Cultural activities performed
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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
Public Hearing
The public hearing meeting was held on Jestha 26, 2061 including diverse stakeholders, VDC representative, hoteliers, lodge owners, Yak herders, and distinguished villagers and their suggestions were pasted in the report. Kongde View Resort will not create significant impacts in the environment due its nature and size. Infrastructure for quality tourists will be developed in Kongde and the Tourist satisfaction will be maximized from the establishment of a modern lodge (Kongde View Resort). Local economy will be enhanced. Utilization of proposed mitigation measures will contribute for maximization of benefits to the locals and nation. Monitoring Parameters, Indicators, Location, Time, Method, Cost and Responsibility The project design was made such that it will have negligible adverse impacts on physical, biological, social and cultural environment due to its operation. Project period is small and technology for this project will be labor intensive. Local people will be involved during its entire construction. Local peoples life is associated with this environment.
Parameters, Indicators, Location, Time, Method, Cost and Responsibility for Monitoring
Parameters Indicator Location Time Method Cost
(Nrs)
Resposibility
Physical Environment
Aesthetics of Roofing material and Sherpa Resort resort area carved stones and wood area Proper completion of soil Soil conservation Length of compound wall and Retaining wall Project site Trekking route Const. Project site visit Constriction Field observation Project cost Included in the Project cost MoFSC/ DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/ DNPWC/ SNP
8 2
Biological Environment
Garbage and Number of rubbish bins and Project solid waste pits area Wildlife protection Wildlife movement Wildlife food habit Forest products Abundance of wildlife Const. Operation Field observation 15000 Use PRA tool 15000 MoFSC/MoPE DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/ DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/ DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/ DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/ DNPWC/ SNP
Resort and Number of wildlife observed its peripheral Const. area Number of rubbish bins in resort complex Quantity required of timber. Quantity required of fuel wood Buffer zone Resort complex Operation Const. Operation Phase
15000
10000 10000
Socio-economic Environment
Conflict resolution Dispute between the resort Kongde and yak herders Resort area Operation phase Const. Operation Use PRA tool Field observation Use PRA tool 10000 MoFSC/MoPE DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/MoPE DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/ DNPWC/ SNP
Land & water Amount of garbage and Pollution quality of water Work safety Safety mechanism
Cultural Environment
Cultural/ religious conservation Cultural activities performed Buffer zone of SNP Const. Operation phase Use PRA tool & observation 40000 MoFSC/MoPE DNPWC/ SNP
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
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Positive Impacts & Measures to Maximize
Environmental Impact S.N Likely Positive Impacts
1 Employment generation Nature Magnitude Direct High (60) Extent Local (20) Duration Total
Midterm (10) 90
Enhance livelihood
Site Long term specific (10) (20) Site Long term specific (10) (20) Local (20) Long term (20) Long term (20)
50
Proponent
Enhance BZ Fund
90
5 6
50 60
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
Environmental Impact
Nature Magnitude Extent Duration Total
Physical Environment
Direct Low (10) Site Long term Low specific (10) (20) 40 Blend Sherpa architect in building. Use rocky or grassy color on the roof. Construct boundary wall fill low ground by excavated soil and proper compaction of it. Retaining wall along bench treek Use pits and bins Burry Kitchen waste Proponent
1.1
1.2
Direct
Low (10)
1.3
Garbage deposition
Direct
Low (10)
1.4 2
Direct
Low (10)
Site Long term Medium Treat into sock pits specific (10) (20) 40
Biological Environment
Site Short term Low specific (10) (5) 25 Conduct talks about park rules to generate workers conservation awareness. Monitor workers closely. Set up labor camp in Resort site Close bins and pits
2.1
Poaching incidence
Direct
Low (10)
Proponent
2.2
Site Long term Low specific (10) (20) 40 Site Long term Low specific (10) (20) 40 Site Short term Low specific (10) (5) 35 Site Short term High specific (10) (5) 75
2.3
10 2
2.4
Direct
Medium (20)
2.5 3
Direct
High (60)
Socio-economic Environment
Conflict between resort & Yak herders Site Short term Low specific (10) (5) 25 Conduct awareness activities Involve herders in tourism Proponent Buy milk and milk products from herders. Dispose trash and pollutants in specified locations. Use bins and pits Use sock pits, septic tank Provide safety gears to workers Contractor
3.1
3.2
Pollution in land/water
Direct
Low (10)
3.3 4
Cultural Environment
Promote cultural assimilation Cross cultural effect Indirect Low (10) Regional (60) Long term High (20) 90 Enhance cultural education facility to locals and tourists Proponent
4.1
Ranking score as stated in National EIA Guideline, 1993, was followed for the prediction of impact in this study.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
Resposibility
Physical Environment
Landscape Roof color and Sherpa architecture Resort area Project area October, 2006 October, 2006 O bservation 30000 MoPE/ DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/MoPE DNPWC/ SNP
Number of rubbish bins and Garbage and pits solid waste Specified location for rubbish collection
Biological Environment
Wildlife movement Wildlife food habit Forest Condition Number of wildlife observed Number of rubbish bins in resort complex Resort and October, Trekking route 2006 Resort complex Trekking route Resort Periphery Operation Stage Once in Operation Phase Survey 25000 MoPE/ DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/ DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/ DNPWC/ SNP
Observation
10000
Forest coverage
Observation
10000
Socio-economic Environment
Conflict Pollution Employment Dispute between the resort Kongde and yak herders Amount of garbage and quality of water Resort area Operation phase October, 2006 October, 2006 Operation Stage Use PRA tool 5000 MoFSC/MoPE DNPWC/ SNP MoFSC/MoPE DNPWC/ SNP MoPE
Number of people employed Project area Jobs created Amount of farm product purchased Safety mechanism
11 2
Livlihood
Resort site
15000
Work safety
10000
Cultural Environment
Cultural/ Buffer zone religious Cultural activities performed of SNP conservation Operation Use PRA tool 50000 MoFSC/MoPE DNPWC/ SNP
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Proposal of Farakpa Village Resort and Kongde View Resort
ACRONYMS
BZ BZCF CBS CITES DDC DIZ DNPWC EIA EPA EPR HMG IEE IIZ MFSC MOPE MPFS NEPAP NGO NPWCA SCAFP SNP SPCC TOR Buffer Zone Buffer Zone Community Forestry Central Bureau of Statistics Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora District Development Committee Direct Impact Zone Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Environmental Impact Examination Environmental Protection Act Environmental Protection Regulation His Majesty's Government Initial Environmental Examination Indirect Impact Zone Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation Ministry of Population and Environment Master Plan for the Forestry Sector Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan Non Government Organization National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act Sagarmatha Community Agro-forestry Project Sagarmatha National Park Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee Terms of Reference
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